Tejasvi Surya’s ‘Mike Tyson push-up’ goes viral: technique, muscles worked and precautions

A unique push-up variation, dubbed the "Mike Tyson push-up," has recently gained online attention following BJP MP Tejasvi Surya's demonstration on an NDTV show. This movement, which has caught the interest of fitness enthusiasts, requires a controlled backwards-and-forwards motion during the exercise.

Dr Supriya Patil, a consultant physiotherapist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, explains that the Mike Tyson push-up differs from the conventional push-up by incorporating a horizontal rock-back. To perform the move, one starts by placing their feet against a wall for stability and assumes a high-plank position.

From there, they drive their hips back towards their heels while bending their knees and keeping their arms extended. Then, they propel their body forward, shifting their weight to the hands and transitioning into a standard push-up. After pushing back up, the body moves back into the initial position.

The origin of the Mike Tyson push-up's name is unclear, as there is no reliable primary evidence to suggest that Mike Tyson either invented or consistently performed this exact variation. Instead, the exercise has gained popularity through fitness and social media platforms, becoming a modern bodyweight movement associated with the former professional boxer.

According to Dr Patil, this exercise challenges multiple muscle groups, including the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. Additionally, the quadriceps, hips, and other lower-body muscles engage during the backward and forward transitions. While the Mike Tyson push-up can be an effective exercise when performed correctly, Dr Patil cautions that it should not be considered a superior replacement for conventional strength exercises.

Instead, she emphasizes that the value of this movement comes from the combination of movement demands rather than simply the "Mike Tyson" name.

To safely attempt the Mike Tyson push-up, Dr Patil recommends establishing proper technique with conventional push-ups first. Individuals should progress to incline, wall, or modified-floor push-ups if needed, based on their strength and mobility levels. Gradually introducing the Mike Tyson push-up once a person can perform regular push-ups comfortably and maintain good trunk control is advised.

Before attempting the movement, it is essential to warm up the wrists, shoulders, hips, and ankles to prepare the body for the demands of this exercise.